Handmade Palestinian Olive Oil Soap Bar

The traditional olive oil soap, al jamal, has endured through the centuries despite the availability of modern chemical compounds found in most manufactured soaps today. The same formula, comprising virgin olive oil, water, and caustic soda, has been used for generations. In a large vat, these ingredients are meticulously mixed over low heat for approximately five days before being poured onto a vast floor space.

Shortly after, casts are laid to cut the soap into individual blocks, each bearing the traditional seal of the factory of production. These blocks are then stacked in geometric towers, allowing for air circulation that assists in the drying process. The towering pyramids of soap can reach heights of over eight feet, lining the halls of the factory's drying room for a period of ten to thirty days before they are ready for packaging and shipping.

The Nabulsi soap, a renowned tradition in the city of Nablus, Palestine, is a true testament to the art of olive oil soap-making. This unique soap contains only three ingredients: virgin olive oil, water, and food-grade lye. As early as the 10th century, the traditional Nabulsi olive oil soap was exported across the Arab world and as far as Europe, where it is said to have been the soap of choice for Queen Elizabeth of England.

The Nabulsi soaps are crafted in a distinctive cube-like shape, measuring approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in height and 2.25 by 2.25 inches (5.7 by 5.7 cm) in width, weighing around 4.5 to 5 ounces. The color of the soap bar is akin to "the page of an old book," and each cube is stamped with the factory's seal on the top. The Nabulsi soap's distinctive scent is not perfumed, but rather a natural testament to its purity and tradition.

The enduring legacy of both the al jamal and Nabulsi olive oil soaps is a testament to the timeless craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to quality that has been passed down through generations. Despite the advent of modern soap-making techniques, these traditional soaps continue to captivate and delight users worldwide, offering a unique and authentic experience that transcends the boundaries of time.

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